TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has announced $5 million in state funding that will allow family planning centers and abortion clinics interest-free loans of up to $100,000 to upgrade their security. The governor also approved nearly $7 million in additional funding for 15 centers statewide.
A second round of funding worth approximately $5 million will cap the governor’s new $17 million spending spree on reproductive healthcare.
According to the governor, the funding includes zero-percent interest loans for upgrades at reproductive healthcare facilities and grants for security enhancements.
“We must and will continue to take a comprehensive approach to make reproductive health care safe and accessible to all who need it in our state,” said Governor Murphy. “This is a matter of defending a fundamental right that remains under attack throughout our country. New Jersey will continue to serve as a safe haven for both providers and patients as we take additional steps to ensure protected, equitable access to this critical care.”
Murphy cites the U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe vs. Wade as the reason for moving to protect the safety of family planning centers and abortion clinics.
“This program is an important step in the Murphy Administration’s ongoing commitment to helping ensure access to reproductive health care services throughout New Jersey,” said Health Commissioner Judith M. Persichilli. “These loans will support the improvement of facilities with equipment upgrades, increased staffing, and expanded IT services to enhance reproductive health care.”
A total of $6,076,438 was approved by the Authority’s board for 15 applicants in the first round of this loan program. HCFFA has begun executing loan agreements with recipients. Recipients include:
- Planned Parenthood of Northern Central and Southern New Jersey (PPNCSNJ), including awards to eight facilities in Absecon, Englewood, Morristown, Newton, Perth Amboy, Shrewsbury, Trenton, and Washington;
- Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey, including awards to five facilities in East Orange, Montclair, Paterson, and two health centers in Newark;
- Zufall Health Center in West Orange;
- Alliance Community Healthcare in Jersey City;
- FamCare, including awards to four facilities in Bridgeton, Glassboro, Pennsville, and Vineland;
- Family Planning Center of Ocean County in Toms River;
- Hoboken Family Planning in Hoboken; and
- Rutgers University – Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine in Newark.